Summer Sensory Drop-In Sessions and Free Lending Library
This summer we are piloting a series of four free weekly drop-in sessions for children with additional needs and their families. Please come and join us to try out sensory equipment and meet other families.
Who is this for?
This is for children with additional needs, which includes SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), and also children who may have additional needs for other reasons such as bereavement, difficult life circumstances, fostering or adoption, or for other reasons.
Your child does not need to have a diagnosis to attend our drop-in or borrow equipment. All families are welcome, regardless of faith or background.
Parents and carers must stay with their children and supervise them closely throughout the drop-in session.
When?
Thursday 10 August 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Thursday 17 August 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Thursday 24 August 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Thursday 31 August 4.00pm - 6.00pm
What will happen?
We will have a variety of sensory equipment and activities set out for children to try, eg therapy balls, mini trampoline, weighted blankets, scooter board and blackout tents.
There will be an opportunity for parents and carers to meet one another and chat, and opportunities for children to play alongside one another or on their own, as they prefer.
Items will also be available to borrow for free, to use at home for a one week period before returning items to the library for other families to borrow.
Where?
At St George's Church Tufnell Park, Crayford Road, N7 0ND.
The drop-in will happen in our main church space, which is a large space with wooden floors.
There will be hot drinks for the adults and simple snacks for the children. You are welcome to bring your own snacks if you prefer. Please keep all foods in the eating area.
A quiet room will be available for children who need it.
Entry to St George's is all at ground level, and we have an accessible toilet.
Please note that the main church space has a fire exit with a push-bar to open the door onto the church car park. The front main doors to the church will be closed but unlocked, and open out onto a small courtyard area and then onto the pavement. Adults are asked to stay with their children at all times to supervise them for their safety - adults remain responsible for their children during the drop-in.
If your child's needs mean there is a risk of them escaping or bolting, please be aware of the potential routes for them to get out of the building - please do email us for more information if helpful.
Is there a cost?
No. There is no charge for the sensory drop-in, and no charge to borrow items from the lending library. We do ask for full contact details for families borrowing items, and ask you to sign a pledge that you will return the items to us safely. Your contact details will only be used for the purposes you give your data for, in line with our GDPR policy.
Do I need to book to attend?
If you can let us know in advance that you're hoping to attend, that would help us with our planning:
10 August: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/680749549227
17 August: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/681800833647
24 August: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/681823631837
31 August: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/681827774227
If you can't let us know in advance, just come along on the day.
Who is this run by?
The drop-in and library are a ministry of St George's Church Tufnell Park. A 'ministry' means something we do as an expression of what we believe. We believe God loves all people and cares deeply about those with additional needs.
The pilot of this ministry is facilitated by a small team of volunteers from St George's, including Alexandra Lilley (Vicar), Rosie Horridge (Lay Pioneer Minister and parent of children with additional needs), and parent volunteers who have children with additional needs or a close connection to this area.
Questions?
Please email us if you have any questions about the Sensory Drop-in and Lending Library: send@stgeorgestufnellpark.org